Leah Nair, a bright and ambitious individual from Phoenix, Durban, has achieved a remarkable milestone by completing her Diploma in Taxation with Cum Laude, earning herself the Dean’s Merit award for academic excellence. She walked the stage at the  Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation Ceremony, held at the Olive Convention Centre on Monday, 26 May 2025.

From day one, the Taxation course at DUT challenged her academically and personally, pushing her to grow in discipline, confidence, and critical thinking. She learned to balance her academic deadlines with her personal responsibilities, built meaningful relationships, and developed skills that will serve her well in her future career.

Despite facing challenges such as managing time effectively, juggling leadership responsibilities, and financial stress, Nair persevered with the support of her lecturers, friends, and family. Her family’s reaction to her graduation news was overwhelming, with tears, ululations, and celebration.

Her experience as a class representative in some modules taught her valuable lessons in leadership, accountability, and time management.

“One of the main challenges was managing time effectively, especially during peak exam periods or group projects. Being a class representative in some of my modules also taught me how to juggle leadership responsibilities with academic ones. There were times of doubt and financial stress, but support from lecturers, friends, and my own self-discipline helped me push through,” she explained.

She embodies the value of excellence, striving for outstanding performance in her studies and future career in taxation. She recognises that excellence is crucial in her field, not just for personal achievement but also to foster trust with the public.

“The DUT value that resonates most with me is excellence. Throughout my academic journey, I have always aimed to go beyond just passing, to produce work I’m proud of, uphold integrity, and remain committed to quality. In the field of taxation, excellence is essential, not only for personal success but also to build public trust,” said Nair.

Currently pursuing her Advanced Diploma in in Taxation, Nair’s journey at DUT has been transformative, marked by academic excellence, personal growth, and a deepening passion for taxation. Her decision to pursue taxation was driven by her fascination with how tax systems work and their impact on individuals and businesses. She sees herself working in a role where she can make a difference, either as a tax consultant, working for SARS, or in corporate compliance.

Pictured: Leah Nair

Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini

Thubelihle Dumakude